Salary negotiation

Salaries in the Victorian Public Sector (VPS) match the base salary for each role's classification. If you want to negotiate, you need to provide supporting information. This will be reviewed in an approval process. The current VPS Enterprise Agreement shows salary ranges for each classification to ensure transparency.

Preparing to negotiate your salary

Do your research
  • VPS salary bands: Identify the salary range linked to the role's VPS level (e.g., VPS5, VPS6, etc.). Ensure your expectations align with this range.
  • Alignment to role: Consider your expectations of the role’s accountabilities outlined in the job description.
Gather supporting information
  • Highlight your skills and experience: Consider how your skills, experience, and capability align to the role’s position description.
  • Include desirable criteria: (if applicable) Identify any desirable criteria listed for the role that you meet.
  • Pay parity: If you are currently in, or have previously held a similar role, this can be used; however, you will be asked to provide evidence of this (for example, a payslip).

Tips for negotiating your salary

Timing

Salary negotiation typically occurs when a verbal offer is made following interviews, when the preferred candidate is selected. Sometimes, it may occur during an interview. However, you can discuss it with the hiring manager later in the process if you wish.

Clarity

Don’t hesitate to seek clarification about the salary or contract terms. Understanding what you are agreeing to is crucial. Use clear, specific language to avoid misunderstandings.

Consideration

If you are unsure about the offer, ask for time to consider it. This allows you to evaluate all aspects.

Communication

If you prefer, you can negotiate via email. This provides time to review the offer and develop a clear response without the pressure of an immediate response.

Asking for feedback

We encourage candidates to ask for feedback regardless of the outcome. Here are some general principles:

  • We generally offer verbal feedback to all candidates who get to the end of the process.
  • You can ask the hiring manager for feedback even if you did not progress to the final stages.
  • Though you may feel awkward about asking for feedback, we want you to feel supported regardless of the recruitment outcome.

Page last updated: 24/07/25